Valve for simultaneously dispensing a plurality of fluids

ABSTRACT

Valve for simultaneously dispensing two pressurized fluids comprising a spout slidable in an annular seal which covers the top of a cylindrical cup. Separate passageways in the walls of the cup lead to separate containers for the fluids and sliding movement of the spout shifts it between a position in which said passageways are blocked and one in which they communicate with the interior of the spout.

I Umted States Patent 1 1 3,593,886

[72] Inventor Bruno Pierre Morane [56] References Cited Paris. France UNITED STATES PATENTS P 3 2 3 3.096.003 5/1961 Nesin .J ZZZ/402.16 f' d ml 3,217,936 11/1965 Abplanalp. 222/402.1sx f {9 3.401.844 9/1968 Hanson 222/193 1 1 g z 3,416,770 12/1968 Green 222/402.22

Priority Jun/9,1968 3,465,918 9/1969 Webster 222/136 3 3 France Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves [3] 158,414 Assistant Examiner-T. E. Kocovsky' Anorney-Holcombe, Wetherill and Brisebois [54] VALVE FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPENSING A ABSTRACT: Valve for simultaneously dispensing two presrawmg surized fluids comprising a spout slidable in an annular seal [52] U.S.Cl 222/136, which covers the top of a cylindrical cup. Separate ZZZ/402.16, ZZZ/402.18, ZZZ/402.24 passageways in the walls of the cup lead to separate containers [51] lnt.Cl 867d 5/52 for the fluids and sliding movement of the spout shifts it [50] Field of Search 222/136, between a position in which said passageways are blocked and one in which they communicate with the interior of the spout.

PATENTED JUL20 I97! SHEET 1 OF 2 FIG. 1

9 b B 2 6 c Q I O F 2 \\v \F 6 ///r 4 w B W 8 9 PATENTED JULZO lsn SHEET 2 OF 2 FIG. 3

VALVE FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPENSING A IPLURALITY OF FLUIDS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is sometimes desirable in the cosmetic industry in particular to place several products which are intended to be simultaneously dispensed inside a single container.

lt is the object of the present invention to provide a valve of simple construction which makes it possible to not only simultaneously dispense several products which have been packaged under pressure, but also permits an outer container to be filled with a pressurizing fluid when these products are to be distributed under pressure as a consequence of the force exerted thereon by a pressurizing fluid in said outer container.

The present invention is directed to a new article of manufacture which consists of an improved valve which permits several products which have been packaged together under pressure to be simultaneously distributed, which valve is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a cylindrical cup provided at its upper end with as many radial openings as there are products to be distributed. These openings are connected by passageways to two spigots at the lower end of the cup which are adapted to be fastened to containers, each of which holds one of the products to be distributed. The cup is also provided with a central coaxial opening at its lower end. .The valve also comprises a sliding sealing member which can move axially through a central opening in the top of the container and which bears on the upper end of a spring placed inside said cup, this sealing member may have the general shape of a cylindrical crown and comprise at its upper end a circular seat. The device further comprises a cylindrical spout which is open at the top and closed at the bottom. The central part of this spout is provided with a circular shoulder adapted to cooperate with the seat in the upper part of the sliding sealing member. The lower part of this spout is radially perforated by at least one hole and it is also perforated by at least one other hole immediately above the circular shoulder. An annular sealing member is positioned around the above-mentioned spout and rests on the upper surface of the cup, the sliding seal, and the circular shoulder on the nozzle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve is mounted on an outer container holding a pressurizing fluid, the valve cup being connected through spigots at its lower end to several flexible containers holding the products to be dispensed. The annular sealing member is attached to the cup by the cap which forms the top of the outer container to which said valve is attached. The spigots are attached to the bottom of the cup and are connected by ducts parallel to the axis of the cup to radial openings at its top. The annular sealing member and the sliding sealing member may be made of any suitable flexible material, natural or synthetic. The valve cup and the cylindrical spout may be made of metal or a molded plastic material.

When the outer part of the valve is made of a plastic material, it should be noted that the orifices through which the products to be distributed are dispensed may be easily formed during the molding since they consist of simple radial slots positioned around the central chamber of the cup. These slots are converted into holes when the lower surface of the annular sealing member is brought into contact with the top of the valve cup. This construction permits the valve cup to be easily molded in one piece.

When such a valve is mounted on an outer container holding a pressurizing fluid, the user presses vertically down on the valve spout in order to dispense the products to be distributed. This forces the sliding seal down inside the hold in the outer cup and opens the distribution ports, which are thus brought into alignment with the hole or holes in this part of the wall of the valve spout. The products to be dispensed which are under pressure, are then driven out through the central hole in the spout. When the user relieves the pressure, the spout and the sliding seal resume their original positions, toward which they are biased by the spring which pushes the sliding scaling member upwardly. The sliding sealing member and the circular shoulder on the spout then come to bear against the lower surface of the annular sealing member of the valve and block the distribution ports.

It should be noted that, in this closed position, the valve has no distribution chamber containing a mixture of the products which are to be simultaneously distributed. This is an essential characteristic of the invention which is of particular importance when the two products to be distributed are capable of reacting chemically with each other.

lt should also be noted that the valve according to the invcn tion not only permits simultaneous distribution of several products which are enclosed in flexible externally pressurized containers, out also permits the introduction of a fluid which causes pressurization of the assembly into the outer container which encloses the various containers for the individual products to be distributed. in effect, when the different containers for the products have been connected to the corresponding spigots of the vaive according to the invention, and the resulting assen'lbly has been enclosed in an outer container which is closed at its top by a cap which is crimped to the outer cup of the valve and the annular seal, the pressurizing fluid may be directly introduced through the cylindrical spout of the valve. This fluid then passes through the hole or holes at the base of the spout by simply pushing away part of the sliding cylindrical sealing member, using for this purpose the pressure under which the pressurizing fluid is introduced.

When the desired quantity of pressurizing fluid has been introduced into the outer container, the supply is cut off and the wall of the sliding sealing member which encircles the spout returns to its rest position, thus blocking the filling hole by reason of the elasticity of the material. lt is an essential characteristic of the invention that the spout may serve two distinct purposes, one while the products are being dispensed and the other while the outer container is being filled with a pressurizing fluid.

In order that the object of the invention may be better understood, one representative embodiment thereof will not be described, purely by way of illustration and example, with reference to the accompanying drawing on which:

FIG. it shows in axial section, a valve according to the invention adapted to simultaneously dispense two pressurized products, said valve being attached to the cap which forms the top of the outer container, which holds. the flexible containers for products to be distributed and the pressurizing fluid, said figure showing the valve in its closed position;

FIG. 2 shows, also in axial section, the valve of FIG. 1 in the position which it occupies duringthe introduction of the pressurizing fluid into the outer container;

H6. 3 shows in axial section, the valve of FIG. 1, in the position which it occupies when the two products are being simultaneously dispensed.

Referring now to the drawing, it will be seen that reference numeral 1 indicates the outer cup of the valve. The cup 1 is of generally cylindrical shape and defines a central axial chamber 2. Two diametrically opposed spigots 3 and 4 are attached to its bottom. At the edge of the central chamber, at the top of the cup, are two notches 5 and 6, which are substantially rectangular in section. These notches are connected to the spigots 3 and d by passages 7 and 8. The top of the cup carries an external shoulder 9. The bottom of the cup is pierced by a small axial hole la.

A slidingsealing member lll is positioned inside the central chamber 2 in the cup.

The sliding sealing member ll) has a shape of a cylindrical crown and comprises at its top a shoulder 11, the outer diameter of which is equal to the inner diameter of the chamber 2. The lower surface of the shoulder 11 rests on a spring 12 inside the central chamber 2. This spring biases the sealing member upwardly. The sealing member 10 comprises an annular seat 13 at its top.

The sliding sealing member encircles a spout 14 which is generally cylindrical in shape, and comprises a central passageway blocked at its lower end. The spout carries a circular shoulder 15 at its midpoint. The outer diameter of this shoulder is equal to the diameter of the seat 13 in the top of the sliding, sealing member 10. Immediately above the shoulder 15, the spout 14 is pierced by two diametrically opposed holes l6. The lower part of the spout is likewise pierced by two diametrically opposed holes 17.

An annular sealing member 18 is mounted at the top of the valve. This sealing member has an external diameter equal to the external diameter of the shoulder 9, and an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the spout 14. It rests on the upper surface of the cup I and of the slidingjoint 10, as well as the shoulder 15. When the annular sealing member 18 is in position on the cup 1, the slots 5 and 6 at the top of thiscup become ports. The annular sealing member 18 is fastened to the cup I by a metallic cap 19 which is crimpcd to the scaling member 18 and the shoulder 9 on the cup 1. It is clear that the cap 19 has an opening 20 in its central part through which opening the spout 14 slides freely.

The cap 19 is adapted to becrimped to the upper part of an outer container, which container will then hold the flexible containers, with which the two products to be distributed are enclosed, and the pressurizing fluid used to put pressure on the products within the flexible containers. Freon may be used as the pressurizing fluid. The upper parts of the flexible containers holding the products to be dispensed comprise tubes 21 and 22. These tubes are attached respectively to the spigots 3 and 4 so that when the cap 19 has been crimped to the top of the outer container, this outer container encloses, connected to the distribution valve, the flexible containers which hold the products to be dispensed. In order to introduce freon into the outer container the upper part of the spout 14 is connected to a device for distributing freon under pressure. The freon enters the passage in the spout l4 and cannot pass out through the holes 16 which are blocked by the annular sealing means 18 which encircles the spout 14. The freon may, however, escape through the opening 17 at its lower end, as shown in FIG. 2. The freon introduced into central chamber 2 through the hole 17 escapes therefrom throughthe hole la and thus reaches the outer container. When the desired quantity of freon has been introduced into the outer containenthe spout 14 is disconnected from the freon dispenser and, because of the elasticity of the material of which the sealing member It) is made, the cylindrical wall of this sealing member comes again into contact with the lower wall of the spout l4 and thus blocks the hole 17. It should be noted that the pressure of the freon in the outer container helps to press the sealing member against the hole 17.

When the user desires to simultaneously dispense the products contained in the flexible containers, the upper parts of which are shown at 21 and 22 on the drawing, he presses axially on the spout 14 of the valve, or on some mechanical member mechanically connected to the top of this spout. This pressure forces the spout downwardly as it slides in the annular sealing member 18. This downward movement forces down the sealing member 10, because it is engaged by the shoulder 15. This compresses the spring 12. This movement of the sealing member 10 opens the slots 5 and 6 which then permit the product to be distributed to escape. These pass respectively through the passageways 21 and 7 on the one hand and 22 and 8 on the other hand. The pressure of the freon in the outer container forces these products into the central passageway in the spout 14 through the holes 7 which are open as a result of the downward movement of the spout 14. When the user releases the pressure exerted on the spout 14, the spring 12 returns the sliding joint upwardly until its upper surface and the shoulder 15 on the spout come into contact with the annular sealing member 18. During the course of this movement the slots 5 and 6, through which the products normally pass out, are blocked, and the holes 16 are also blocked because they are then in a position in alignment with the annular sealing member 18. It WI be appreciated that, in its closed position, the valve has no mixing chamber in which products to be dispensed are in contact.

lt will also be appreciated that the embodiment which has just been described has been given purely by way of example and may be modified as to detail without thereby departing from the basic principles of the invention. In particular, the valve may be used for a number of different products to be dispensed, provided there is a corresponding number of spigots at the base of the cup, each spigot being connected through a passageway to a distributing slot at the top of the cup. In like manner the valve according to the invention may be used for the simultaneous distribution of several products contained in rigid containers which are internally pressurized. In this case, the outer container serves merely as a holder and contains no pressurizing fluid. Finally, the rigid containers containing the products to be dispensed may be pressurized by mechanical means, such, for example, as a spring pressing on a movable piston, without recourse to any prcssurizing fluid.

What l claim is:

1. Valve for simultaneously dispensing a plurality of fluids maintained under pressure, said valve comprising in combination:

a cup defining a central chamber and adapted to be secured beneath the cap of an outer container,

upper annular sealing means closing the top of said chamber,

a spout extending through said sealing means into said chamber and slidable between an upper and a lower position,

resilient means biasing said spout toward its upper position,

said spout being provided with at least one port near its lower end leading into said chamber, and said cup being provided with individual ducts for connecting said chamber to each of a plurality of'inner fluid containers a vent for connecting said chamber to the interior of said outer container outside said inner containers,

one-way valve means preventing the movement of fluid from said chamber through said port into said spout, but permitting movement in the opposite direction,

said spout being likewise provided with at least one upper port spaced axially along said spout from said lower port and positioned to be blocked by said upper annular sealing means when said spout is in its upper position, but lying below and clear of said upper annular sealing means when said spout is in its lower position,

lower annular sealing means encircling said spout between said lower and upper ports so as to prevent communication therebetween through said chamber,

each of said individual ducts leading from the outside of said cup to a point in said chamber which lies between said upper and lower sealing means and in communication with said at least one upper port when said spout is in its lower position, and lies at all times above the lower edge of said lower sealing means.

2. Valve as claimed in claim I in which said one-way valve comprises a resilient sleeve encircling the lower part of said spout.

3. Valve as claimed in claim I in which said ducts terminate in spigots positioned'at the bottom of said cup.

4. Valve as claimed in claim 1 in which said one-way valve means and lower sealing member are formed as a single integral sleeve encircling said spout.

5. In combination, a valve as claimed in claim I mounted at the top of an outer container holding a pressurizing fluid and at least two flexible inner containers holding fluids to be dispensed, each flexible container being connected to one of said ducts.

6. In combination, a valve as claimed in claim 1 and an outer container comprising a cap secured to said annular sealing means. 

1. Valve for simultaneously dispensing a plurality of fluids maintained under pressure, said valve comprising in combination: a cup defining a central chamber and adapted to be secured beneath the cap of an outer container, upper annular sealing means closing the top of said chamber, a spout extending through said sealing means into said chamber and slidable between an upper and a lower position, resilient means biasing said spout toward its upper position, said spout being provided with at least one port near its lower end leading into said chamber, and said cup being provided with individual ducts for connecting said chamber to each of a plurality of inner fluid containers a vent for connecting said chamber to the interior of said outer container outside said inner containers, one-way valve means preventing the movement of fluid from said chamber through said port into said spout, but permitting movement in the opposite direction, said spout being likewise provided with at least one upper port spaced axially along said spout from said lower port and positioned to be blocked by said upper annular sealing means when said spout is in its uppEr position, but lying below and clear of said upper annular sealing means when said spout is in its lower position, lower annular sealing means encircling said spout between said lower and upper ports so as to prevent communication therebetween through said chamber, each of said individual ducts leading from the outside of said cup to a point in said chamber which lies between said upper and lower sealing means and in communication with said at least one upper port when said spout is in its lower position, and lies at all times above the lower edge of said lower sealing means.
 2. Valve as claimed in claim 1 in which said one-way valve comprises a resilient sleeve encircling the lower part of said spout.
 3. Valve as claimed in claim 1 in which said ducts terminate in spigots positioned at the bottom of said cup.
 4. Valve as claimed in claim 1 in which said one-way valve means and lower sealing member are formed as a single integral sleeve encircling said spout.
 5. In combination, a valve as claimed in claim 1 mounted at the top of an outer container holding a pressurizing fluid and at least two flexible inner containers holding fluids to be dispensed, each flexible container being connected to one of said ducts.
 6. In combination, a valve as claimed in claim 1 and an outer container comprising a cap secured to said annular sealing means. 